Wedding Venues Feature: French Country Simplicity, Elegance and Cuisine at Tourterelle

Tourterelle is one of the sweetest spots for a wedding I know of. In addition to amazing views everywhere you look, there’s a comforting simplicity in everything about the place.

From Christine’s ready and calm assistance to make sure everything is going smoothly for everyone, to the rustic Pavillion, housing receptions protected from the weather but with an outdoor feel, to the fountain in the small pond, with the family of ducks strolling by, it’s a place where you can feel at home.

Tourterelle is widely known for the excellence of their French Country Cuisine. Their culinary excellence has received much notice, both locally and beyond. Here’s a quote from “The Urban Spoon”:

"We travelled by motorcycle thru Vermont to tour the New England states of Maine, Mass. ,etc to New York City. We ate here the night the hurricane came in, and this was we believe the best meal of our trip. We have travelled extensively including two trips to Paris and also eat often at our favourite French restaurant, 'La petit France' in Toronto, Canada. We will return if we find ourselves within 500 miles of the place."

Trip Adviser lists Tourterelle as the best restaurant in Vermont with numerous 5 star reviews, including:

“By far, this is the best restaurant in Vermont I have dined at in a long time. Great atmosphere, reasonable prices, excellent service.....and simple delicious food exquisitely prepared. My wife and I cannot wait to return!”

“My husband and I semi-frequently eat at this outstanding restaurant. Each time we attend our experience somehow exceeds our previous one. Christine is a warm and gracious host and always makes you feel like a special guest. Their service is exceptional. They have a great wine list and know it well. The food has never disappointed. I honestly have no reservations about recommending this top-notch restaurant. Enjoy!”

And far too many more to list here!

As a musician, I’ve played for both wedding ceremonies and receptions at Tourterelle solo as well as in duos. There are numerous things musicians look for in a venue, and Tourterelle has everything a musician needs to feel that I can do my work fully supported by the people and the setting in a way that allows me to be at my best. Christine is ready to assist with every detail that presents itself, in her calm and enthusiastic manner. The pavilion, near the outdoor ceremony site, offers a sheltered venue – so whether the ceremony is indoors or out, the pavilion offers a location where, in the event of a sudden weather change, we could confidently move the sensitive instruments to a protected location without concern of damage. And simply playing music across a lovely landscape and pond is fabulous. I know a great many wedding venders in all areas, and I can quite definitively say that Tourterelle offers a place where we can all contribute our best to any event, with support, comfort and confidence.

The word “Tourterelle” is French for “Turtle Dove.” Turtle Doves are known as symbols of love and faithfulness, since they mate for life, as well as working together to build nests and raise their young. Other symbolic references include peace, freedom, and a link between heaven and earth.

Turtle Doves and their link with love are contained in some of the greatest poetry in existence, from the Old Testament’s “Song of Solomon” to William Shakespeare’s “The Phoenix and The Turtle (Dove)” to innumerable folk songs throughout the ages, and even Buddy Holly.

From the Song of Solomon:

"For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. The fig tree has ripened its figs, And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along!"

Lisa Carlson is a flutist offering ensembles for weddings and other occasions in duos, trios, quartets in a variety of instrumental combinations, or solo flute, and staff wedding music writer for Vermont Bride Magazine. She also maintains a private flute studio in Montpelier, Vermont, in addition to teaching flute at Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and online.